World · Malaysia Bureau
Nepal, China resume rescue efforts as glacial lake threat subsides
Rescue operations have resumed in Nepal and China following the easing of a dangerous glacial lake overflow threat. The death toll from recent flooding has climbed close to 600, with nearly 2,000 people reported missing.
LSN Malaysia ·
Joint rescue efforts between Nepal and China have recommenced after authorities determined that the immediate danger posed by an overflowing glacial lake has diminished. The temporary suspension of operations was lifted once water levels at the threatened lake stabilized, allowing teams to resume search and recovery activities across the affected border regions.
According to Nepal's disaster management authority, the scale of the missing persons crisis has grown significantly, with 1,924 individuals now unaccounted for—nearly double the initial count. The dramatic increase reflects the ongoing difficulty in establishing communication with remote mountain communities and accounting for all residents in the disaster zone.
The flooding has devastated settlements across both nations, with the death toll approaching 600 as rescue teams continue to access isolated villages. Authorities are prioritizing the search for missing persons while simultaneously assessing infrastructure damage and establishing humanitarian corridors for aid delivery.
Weather conditions and terrain have hampered rescue efforts, with teams working to navigate treacherous mountain paths and unstable ground. Both governments have mobilized additional resources and personnel to accelerate the search and recovery operations, with international assistance also being coordinated through diplomatic channels.